Burlington Police Department Celebrates Two Members with Recent Promotions

BURLINGTON — Chief Thomas Browne and the Burlington Police Department are pleased to share that Sergeant Peter Abaskharoun has been promoted to Lieutenant and Officer Brian Hanafin has been promoted to Sergeant.

During a ceremony on Monday, Aug. 11, Lt. Abaskharoun and Sgt. Hanafin were officially sworn into their new positions by Burlington Town Clerk Jennier Priest.

Lt. Peter Abaskharoun

Lt. Abaskharoun has been a member of Burlington Police for 21 years. Before joining the Department, he served as a State Trooper for the New Hampshire State Police.

Lt. Abaskharoun has served as a patrol sergeant and was the Department’s Traffic Division Supervisor, a field training officer and Bicycle Patrol Supervisor. He is now the Northeast Law Enforcement Council’s (NEMLEC) SAR/TAC Drone Unit Commander. He previously was a field training officer and patrol supervisor with Burlington.

Throughout his career in Burlington, Lt. Abaskharoun has received a number of commendations and recognitions for his dedication to service. Some notable achievements include his successful completion of FBI-LEEDA’s Trilogy Award program, being awarded a life-saving commendation from the Burlington Select Board in 2008, obtaining national recognition from Drone Responders for Outstanding Public Safety Drone Program, and receiving a letter of commendation for his deployment with NEMLEC during the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing.

He is also a certified EMT, Motorcycle Operator through New England Police Vehicle Leasing (NEPVL), and a car seat technician. Lt. Abaskharoun holds certifications in FBI Crisis Negotiations and is a Massachusetts Police Training Council (MPTC) Firearms Instructor.

Sgt. Brian Hanafin

Sgt. Hanafin joined the department in 2016 after successfully graduating from the Northern Essex Community College Police Academy.

He is a member of the Burlington Police Department Firearms Unit and has been an MPTC Firearms Instructor since 2019. Sgt. Hanafin has also been a member of NEMLC SWAT for over four years.

Sgt. Hanafin has displayed an overwhelming commitment to leadership, having completed a number of trainings and certifications, such as Tactical Leadership, Active Shooter Courses (ALERRT and FLETC), Homicide Investigation Course, NEMLEC SWAT Trainings, and more.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication both Sgt. Hanafin and Lt. Abaskharoun have displayed throughout their time with Burlington Police,” said Chief Browne. “These promotions reflect their continued commitment to safety and service for our residents. I wish them the best of luck as they step into their new roles.”